Earnest Clair Foltz

Earnest Clair Foltz, 90, passed away on Monday November 3, 2014 at Clare Bridge of Austintown, who compassionately cared for him during his final months.  The family would also like to express gratitude for the loving care received from the staff of Hospice Of The Valley. Clair was born December 21, 1923 in Marion Center, Pennsylvania, the son of Merle and Irene (Lawson) Foltz. Clair served in WWII, sargent in the Army Air Corp as a flight engineer in the South Pacific from 1942-1945. A Youngstown area resident, Clair was an assembly Supervisor at Wean Industries, retiring after 31 years in 1986. In 1987, following his retirement, Clair served as project engineer for Wean Industries in Baoshan, China until 1990. He retired to Bonita Springs, Florida, with his wife of 56 years, Joan E. (Reed) Foltz, who preceded him in death, May 4, 2004. Clair is survived by his five children: E. Gregory (Susie) Foltz, Deborah (James) Moses, William Foltz, Lori (Marty) Crofford and Rebecca (Joe) Cantanzriti; 12 granchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Clair is also survived by his three sisters Orpha Kirk, Claudine Coffman and Madeline Leonardo. He is preceded in death by his  brothers David and Howard Foltz.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2014, 11:00 AM, at Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard.  The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 5-7PM at the funeral home.  Interment will take place at Girard City Cemetery with military honors.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like charitable contributions to be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Alzheimers Association. Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send any condolences to the Foltz family.